Could Joba Chamberlin’s Role Be Reversed Once Again? Yes, and Possibly Soon
May 10, 2010 · Lucas Weick · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
While Joba has not regained his nearly unhitable form in the bullpen from 2007, he has stepped up for Mo in the past week. Joba has nailed down some saves, doing a good job in general with a 2.63 ERA.
But with the pressure mounting on the Yankees to kick struggling starter Javier Vazquez out of the Bronx for good, the rumors are starting to spread of Joba returning to the rotation.
Personally, I think he belongs in the bullpen where he has the most success by far. But looking at the Yankees farm system and current pitchers on the roster, Joba may very well be the most logical decision to Yankee management.
Sergio Mitre is a good spot starter/ mop up reliever, but the rotation would be better off with Vazquez left in it if Mitre was his replacement in my opinion.
The other guy at the Major League level that could possibly fill Vazquez’s spot is Alfredo Aceves, however, Aceves is extremely valuable to the Yankees in the bullpen for any relief situation. Plus, he is now battling a stiff back.
The best available from the farm system would be Ivan Nova, who has been excellent in six starts this season, going 2-0 with a 2.43 ERA and 32 K’s with 12 walks in 37 innings. Unfortunately he has no big league experience.
And as we all know, experience in the Majors is invaluable. That is what Joba’s got goin’ for him, considering he has started 43 games for the Yankees in the past two years, regardless of how long he lasted.
It would take a little bit to stretch him out, but he could very well replace Vazquez if Javy continues to struggle in the bright lights of New York. The Great Debate on Joba Chamberlain is not over by any means.
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